Biology

Physiology

Kangaskhan are a kangaroo-like Pokémon with vaguely theropod-like features. They are large, bipedal creatures with a thick tail. Kangaskhan are colored brown with accentuations of cream on their horn-like ears and belly, and black on the helmet-like patch on their head. Kangaskhan have red irises, fangs protruding from their upper jaw, epaulette-like patches on their shoulders, and square patches on their legs. Kangaskhan also have various ridges and patches down their back and two spikes on their tail. Kangaskhan carry around a little purple baby Kangaskhan in their pouch. The baby Kangaskhan lacks the ridges and patches on its mother’s body, and its small fangs are not visible outside of its mouth.

Gender differences

Kangaskhan is a female-only species with no male counterpart.

Special abilities

Kangaskhan can use the move Outrage, which can normally only be learned by Dragon-type Pokémon. She has a fighting spirit that is nearly indestructible, therefore she will never give up in battle. Kangaskhan are skilled at using Comet Punch and Dizzy Punch.

Behavior

Kangaskhan are very nurturing to their young and other Kangaskhan. However, if anyone tries to touch or harm their young the parent Kangaskhan will viciously attack the person trying to harm the baby Kangaskhan. When its mother is executing a move or striking a pose, the baby may imitate her actions. To avoid crushing the baby Kangaskhan that she carries in her pouch, she always sleeps standing up.

Habitat

Kangaskhan appear mostly in jungle-like areas. They have been imported to Kanto, Johto and Sinnoh for their respective Safari Zones. Following the closure of the Kanto Safari Zone, they appear to have been introduced to the Rock Tunnel.

Pokédex entries

Kangaskhan, a Parent Pokémon. Once approaching extinction, they are now protected by law and inhabit the Safari Zone. Approach with extreme caution. The Kangaskhan is a rare Pokémon which raises its children in its pocket. They will attack viciously and without warning if they feel their young are threatened in any way.

This concludes the entries from the original series.

In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Kangaskhan debuted in its own round in the Red, Green & Blue chapter, The Secret of Kangaskhan. Here, Blue tries to catch one but is stopped by Red when he (Red) realizes Kangaskhan is protecting its baby. The baby was poisoned, so Red used an Antidote to heal it. Kangaskhan is grateful and leaves; Blue watched this in amazement, but was still angry at Red for allowing Kangaskhan to escape, thus starting their rivalry.

In a flashback of Agatha's, Professor Oak is seen with a Kangaskhan on his team from their league battle over two decades ago, and uses it to fight the bitter woman's Gengar, winning the match after hours. He still has it by the FireRed & LeafGreen chapter, and it is beaten both by the Team Rocket member Orm and Guile Hideout along with most of his other Pokémon, including his newly evolved Fearow. It has not been seen since.

If you come across a young Kangaskhan playing by itself, you must never disturb it or attempt to catch it. The baby Pokémon's parent is sure to be in the area, and it will become violently enraged at you.

Origin

Name origin

Kangaskhan is a combination of kangaroo and Genghis Khan, who was a founder of the Mongol Empire. This possibly is in reference to how her Pokédex data refers to how violently protective she is of her child. Notably, Genghis Khan was a male, but Kangaskhan is a female-only species.